Sensory Integration & AAC: Fostering Autonomy in Communication
These transformative webinars are to revolutionize incorporation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) within sensory integration therapy.
Discover the untapped potential of AAC as a tool for fostering autonomous communication in children with complex communication needs. Break away from the conventional fallbacks of visual schedules and controlled/limited choices and learn dynamic strategies to support and enhance engaging and client-led sensory integration sessions.
Attendees will leave equipped with age-appropriate, inclusive communication strategies that honor each child's individuality and communication style. Transform your practice and empower the children you work with to express themselves with confidence and complexity in the sensory gym and beyond.
After participating in this session, attendees should be able to:
- Discuss the importance of agency in AAC usage, and how sensory integration approaches canfacilitate a more self-determined individual.
- Identify practical methods to seamlessly integrate AAC devices into the sensory gym environment, encouraging spontaneous and self-initiated communication.
- Restate strategies thatfacilitate complex and pretend play using AAC and enable children to express their creativity and engage fully in play narratives.
- Discuss the necessity of fostering non-compliance, a critical developmental milestone, and strategies to do so when using AAC as a means for children to assert their preferences and make choices.
- Apply principles that foster self-organized, autonomous communication, moving beyond limited choice paradigms.
- List three strategies that support communication even when the child is dysregulated.
Presented and recorded at the Virtual Summit: Sensory Health in Autism June 12-14, 2024
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.
Level: Introductory
Length: 2 hours
Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.
Presenters:
Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP (they/she) is a speech-language pathologist, AAC specialist, disability advocate, and neurodiversity educator based in Virginia. They have presented on AAC and neurodiversity-affirming practices at state and national conferences. They have experience in medical, private practice, and school settings with adult and pediatric populations. Caroline is passionate about disability justice and inclusion, and firmly believes that communication is a fundamental human right.
Presenter Disclosure:
- Financial: Caroline was paid an honorarium for this presentation and portions of the information presented were also used in other presentations for which she received honorariums.
- Non-financial: Caroline is an autistic individual and a practicing speech language pathologist. She has family members and friends who are also autistic.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Alexa Herrera, OTD, OTR/L, (she/her)
Occupational Therapist
Alexa graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science. She then went on to complete her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy at Belmont University. Alexa’s doctoral capstone was on the role of occupational therapy in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and sensory modulation in POTS. She has spoken on POTS at the AOTA Inspire Conference and Dysautonomia International Annual Conferences.
Alexa has experience practicing in outpatient, early intervention, and home health settings. Alexa is passionate about providing neurodiversity-affirming care. She also has experience with adapting augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to facilitate access and navigation. Alexa has completed the STAR Institute Intensive Mentorship Program Level 1.
Presenter Disclosure:
- Financial: Alexa is a STAR Institute employee, and her presentation was a part of her salaried position.
- There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Instructional Methods:
PowerPoint Lecture, Q&A Session
Level:
Introductory
Who should attend:
Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing in Autism.
Continuing Education Credits:
Course Completion Requirements:
Upon completing each individual course, participants must pass a brief quiz. Passing is getting at least an 80% score.
Individuals who do not meet both requirements will not receive AOTA or ASHA CEUs.
Cancellation Policy:
Because this program is recorded and accessible at your convenience, cancellations are not typically accepted. Please contact education@sensoryheatlh.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Do you have a disability that would require special accommodation?
Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we can help accommodate your needs.
The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.
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